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Major Donations Help Fund 4-H Camp Cabin Renovations

Cabins at the North Dakota 4-H Camp will undergo much-needed renovations.

The cabins at the North Dakota 4-H Camp near Washburn soon will undergo major renovations thanks, in part, to three private donations.

“These three cabins are a part of the overall camping experience at the North Dakota 4-H Camp, and we are pleased to be able to make some major upgrades,” says Brad Cogdill, chair of the North Dakota State University Center for 4-H Youth Development, which operates the camp.

Donations from the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, North Dakota Corn Growers Association and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of North Dakota will allow the camp to reach that goal. Each organization provided $50,000 toward the estimated $150,000 cost per cabin for the upgrades. The cabins will be named in their honor.

“The Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of North Dakota came together to support the 4-H Camp renovations because we recognize the positive impact 4-H programs have on developing rural leaders,” says Dennis Hill, general manager of the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). “Over the years, the foundation 4-H builds in these students helps them go on to successful academic achievements and personal careers.”

The NDAREC is one of four North Dakota electric power organizations that contributed to the Touchstone Energy donation. The other three are Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Great River Energy and Minnkota Power Cooperative.

4-H Camp renovations will focus on the interior of the cabins and include new bathroom and shower facilities, heat and ventilation. The cabins also will be modified to meet handicap accessibility needs.

“The board of directors of the Corn Growers viewed this as a quality-of-life issue for North Dakota farm families,” says Kevin Skunes, chairman of the North Dakota Corn Council. “4-H programs have had a great impact on youth development, and the board was glad to fund this worthwhile project.”

These upgrades are part of a major renovation and expansion project the camp will launch later this year through a combination of state funding and private donations. Half of the money for the $1.9 million project is in the NDSU Extension Service budget approved by the Legislature and governor. The other $950,000 is from individuals, organizations and corporations through the North Dakota 4-H Foundation’s Shape a New Destiny campaign.

In addition to cabin renovations, the project includes expanding outdoor camp opportunities and constructing a multipurpose 4-H center named for Myron Johnsrud, a Watford City area native who served as NDSU Extension director from 1974 to 1986.

“The new Johnsrud 4-H Center and renovations will enhance the camp’s learning environment, increase the camp’s capacity to accommodate larger youth groups, provide access to people of all abilities, and ensure a sustainable, environmentally responsible camp program,” Cogdill says.

This will be the first time two of the cabins have been renovated since they were built more than 45 years ago.

The North Dakota 4-H Camp was established in 1967 as the Western North Dakota 4-H Camp, one of two regional 4-H camps. It has become the sole statewide 4-H camp facility. Research shows that a 4-H camp experience has a positive impact on the social, personal and educational growth of the participants. It also increase awareness of environmental issues and interest in the outdoors, develops leadership skills and influences career decisions.

“Garrison Diversion is proud to give back to North Dakota through such an exemplary organization, instilling in our youth leadership and responsibility that will help guide their futures,” says Dave Koland, general manager of the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. “The 4-H camp is a benefit to counties throughout North Dakota and will impact 4-H members for generations to come.”

The camp offers a variety of experiences, from Dutch oven cooking to archery and horseback riding to hiking. Here is a schedule of upcoming camps this summer:

  • July 14-18: Military Youth Camp I, 8 to 11; Military Youth Camp II, 12 to 15
  • July 28-Aug. 1: 4-H Adventure Camp, 8 to 12
  • Aug. 1-3: Discover Camp, 8 to 11; Great Outdoors Camp, 8 to 11
  • Aug. 4-8: 4-H Adventure Camp, 8 to 12

To register for specific camps or to learn more about the camps, visit www.ndsu.edu/4h/camp/. For more information on how to help support the state’s 4-H program, visit the North Dakota 4-H Foundation’s website at http://www.ndsu.edu/4h/4_h_foundation/, send an email to ndsu.4-H@ndsu.edu or call (701) 231-7251.


NDSU Agriculture Communication - July 11, 2013

Source:Duane Hauck, (701) (701) 799-7867, duane.hauck@ndsu.edu
Source:Brad Cogdill, (701) 231-7259, brad.cogdill@ndsu.edu
Editor:Ellen Crawford, (701) 231-5391, ellen.crawford@ndsu.edu
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